Working as the customer support lead for the company Generation YES I hear comments and questions from a variety of teachers. Many times I am asked the question ” What is the big deal about blogging?” and ” How do I use a blog with my classroom?”
I understand how it is hard for some teachers to know how to use these newer forms of communication effectivly. Since most of today’s students are acustomed to blogging and use blogs on a daily basis it is important for teachers to learn how to use blogging as a classroom tool. For those of us who where in school before the word “blog” was even in existance here is a short, and entertaining video may bring you up to speed.
This video was produced by the creative crew at CommonCraft, Thanks Lee!
The CommonCraft videos are awesome – I had not seen this one yet – thanks!
I do disagree with the comment that students today are accustomed to blogging and use blogs on a daily basis. Students are absolutely accustomed to chatting, texting, and general e-banter and do so on a daily basis. If blogging is a form of writing that is more complete in its structure and style, and reflects the writers beliefs/opinions/views, that is a higher order skill which is not in the everyday interactions typically found online. IMHO, blogging is a skill that needs developing/fostering just as “old school” writing does.
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your comment. I am happy that I could bring this video to your attention.
I must admit I will agree with your comment that students are accustom to texting, and chatting on a daily basis. I do stand by my statement that blogging is something students do on a daily basis too. Although students may not host a full commentary on a subject relevant to education they will talk about their life and voice their opinions on their MySpace page.
I completely agree with your statement on how writing is a higher order of skill. I do think this skill can be demonstrated in a well-constructed blog post. Teachers can help develop this skill by using a classroom blog that will allow student to think critically about what they are posting. A classroom blog may allow student not only to write but also add pictures, videos and link to other powerful blogs.
I feel that students do use blogs as a way to communicate by leaving comments, and linking to other blogs and sources. I guess I would categorize this as “ Micro-blogging”, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro-blogging. I do see this type of communication prevalent in today’s students personal and school lives. Perhaps this form of blogging is not the way you or I use a blog but I still feel it has some validity.
Thank you for your comment! I do see where you are coming from and I really like your blog ☺